The Home Office has leased an airplane hangar and plane body for the purpose of training security personnel on how to carry out deportations. This move comes as the UK government ramps up the number of forced removals each year.
On Friday, authorities verified that their department has raised its capability to educate officials in conducting deportations, specifically in dealing with individuals who resist physically. The Times initially reported on the specifics of the program’s growth.
The government will provide the same specialized training to employees who are responsible for deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. This is part of their efforts to launch flights to the central African nation by spring.
The government has provided training facilities since 2015 to help escorts handle the task of removing individuals who are not authorized to remain in the UK. This includes practical sessions to equip escorts with the necessary skills for various situations.
“As we increase our efforts to remove individuals, we will also make sure that new escorts receive proper training facilities.”
According to a government official, the department has recently rented a hangar and fuselage in order for staff to practice accompanying individuals onto planes and learn how to handle situations where the person resists, either by fighting or refusing to comply.
The government has been gradually increasing the number of deportations, which had sharply decreased during the Covid pandemic. This is also due to a new agreement with Albania regarding returns. Between April 2022 and March 2023, a total of 4,193 individuals were forcibly returned to Britain, which is almost 33% higher than the previous year.
According to sources, security officials working on flights to Rwanda will receive training, as ministers strive for the first flight to depart in the spring season.
This week, the Members of Parliament approved the Rwanda bill without any changes. However, it will still undergo a two-month discussion in the House of Lords before going back to the Commons for potential revisions. Rishi Sunak has emphasized his proposal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as a key solution to prevent small boats from crossing the Channel.
The prime minister stated on Friday that a deterrent is necessary to completely resolve this issue. This will prevent individuals from remaining in the country illegally and they will be deported.
“I am committed to passing the Rwanda scheme through parliament and implementing it as soon as possible. This will greatly assist in effectively resolving this issue.”
Source: theguardian.com
